University Football League
- UMU 1-0 KIU
Defending champions Uganda Martyrs University (UMU) proved once again why they’re the team to beat in the University Football League, edging Kampala International University (KIU) 1–0 on Friday at the Nkozi playground.
Captain Emmanuel Tumusiime delivered the decisive moment, rising high in the 56th minute to head home a perfectly weighted Wijo Taban free kick, sending the home fans into celebration.
The game was a tense battle of will and strategy. KIU started brighter, pressing high and creating early chances, but their finishing let them down.
Once UMU settled, their trademark composure and structure took control. Midfielders Odoi Valentino and Nicolas Jjonga worked tirelessly to protect the defense and disrupt KIU’s flow, while Wanji Barnabas and Yiga Steven added pace and width.
After halftime, Coach Eric Kisuze’s men stepped up their intensity. When Taban swung in a curling free kick from the right, Tumusiime’s perfectly timed header sealed the win, a moment that reflected UMU’s resilience and leadership.
Goalkeeper Okoboi Saddam was equally vital, producing two key saves late on to deny KIU an equalizer and secure the clean sheet.
Despite the loss, KIU, led by coach Geoffrey Akabwai, earned praise for their organization and fighting spirit, clear signs of a side growing in confidence.
The victory extends UMU’s unbeaten run to 15 matches, cementing their position as the league’s benchmark.
The three-time champions now sit on four points from two games, level with Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), who thrashed University of Kisubi 4–0 on Thursday.
Action resumes Monday when Mountains of the Moon University host Kampala University in Fort Portal, another clash set to add intrigue to this season’s fiercely contested campaign.
